If you’re reading a French cookbook or planning a trip to Marseille, you may wonder how to say “bouillabaisse.” The spelling looks daunting, but it’s easy once you learn the rhythm.

Step‑by‑Step Pronunciation Guide

/bu.jaˈbɛs/ → boo‑ya‑BESS
Breaking it down
• boo – like the start of “boulevard,” a quick “boo” sound
• ya – a short glide “yah”
• BESS – stressed syllable, rhymes with “mess”
Say it in three beats: boo‑ya‑BESS, with the main stress on the last syllable.

Common Mispronunciations

• “boo‑lah‑BASE” ending with “base”
• “boo‑yah‑BAY” dropping the final s sound
• Saying all four Ls—remember the double l is silent in French

Practice Sentences

• “We ordered authentic bouillabaisse on the Marseille waterfront.”
• “A true bouillabaisse uses at least three kinds of local fish.”
• “Her recipe for bouillabaisse includes saffron and orange zest.”

Bouillabaisse in Food Culture

This hearty stew began as a fishermen’s dish using unsold catch. Today, bouillabaisse is a signature of Provençal cuisine, celebrated in fine‑dining restaurants worldwide. Knowing how to pronounce it—boo‑ya‑BESS—adds flair when you order or discuss French food.

Bouillabaisse is a traditional Provençal fish stew from Marseille, France. Made with assorted Mediterranean fish and shellfish, tomatoes, saffron, and herbs, it is served with toasted bread and garlicky rouille sauce.